North Melbourne have announced their new CEO, with Jennifer Watt appointed to the role after an extensive search by the Kangaroos board.
Watt joins the club with 14 years of experience as an executive at the Demons, in addition to managing commercial operations of the MCC.
Watt steps into the role to replace outgoing CEO Ben Amarfio, who stood down in September after three years at the club, after the appointment of Alastair Clarkson as head coach.
The appointment of Watt marks just the second time a woman has held the CEO position at an AFL club, with Hawthorn's Tracey Gaudry becoming the first in 2017.
In a letter to fans, club president Sonja Hood said the addition of Watt was yet another positive step the club has taken during a time of "significant change".
"Jennifer has an outstanding football and sports administration track record, including 14 years as an executive at the Melbourne Football Club and five years managing the commercial operations of the Melbourne Cricket Club," Hood wrote.
North Melbourne is delighted to let you know that following an exhaustive process, the Board has appointed Jennifer Watt as CEO.
President Dr @Sonja_Hood has shared the news with members in an open letter ๐ฌ
— North Melbourne FC (@NMFCOfficial) November 29, 2022
"She has extensive experience working in a club environment, and strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government and the AFL. Most importantly, she intuitively understands โ and loves โ what it is that makes clubs like ours both challenging and the best places in the world to work.
